The 2005 Launch of the Exciting Asian Mile Challenge Series

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In 2005 the "Asian Mile Challenge" was started by the alliance of the Champions Mile (Hong Kong) and the Yasuda Kinen (Japan).
This was the official website.
Content is from the site's 2005 archived pages. 

 

NEWS/ PRESS RELEASES

 

 

 

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INTRODUCTION

Member countries within the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) generate 64% of the world's betting turnover on horses racing, breed 35% of the world's thoroughbreds and offer 51% of the world's thoroughbred prize money. The Asian Mile Challenge is the latest development in a history of close co-operation between the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Japan Racing Association (JRA), both of which are members of the ARF.

In a unique initiative, these two prestigious racing organisations have combined to link their individual mile races. The HKJC Champions Mile and the JRA Yasuda Kinen are major mile championship races in their own countries. In a world first any horse that can win both of the prestigious races in 2005 will receive a US$1,000,000 bonus.

For many years the doyens of international breeding have espoused the advantages of selecting stallions who have been successful at the highest level at a mile. Through the co-operation of the HKJC and JRA, there is now an opportunity within the most important racing federation in the world to identify a champion miler.

The Yasuda Kinen has been open to international competition since 1993 while the Champions Mile will be open to international competition for the first time. Importantly, keeping with the internationalisation of racing, both races and the bonus prize are open to horses from anywhere in the world.

The challenge has been launched, the prize money is in place, we invite you to nominate your horse to secure your place in racing history on the turf at Sha Tin and Tokyo.

Are you up to the challenge?

 

5 June 2005

Photo 1 & 2 Hong Kong representative Silent Witness (No.12) battles on well under Felix Coetzee to snatch a creditable third, a head behind runner-up Sweep Tosho (No. 11) in the 1600-metre Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse today. Asakusa Den'en (No.7) wins the race in 1:32.3.
Photo 3, 4 & 5 Bowman's Crossing (No.10), Silent Witness (No.12), Bullish Luck ( No.16), at the parade ring before the race.
Photo 6 Presentation ceremony of Yasuda Kinen on turf.

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NOMINATIONS & SELECTION

 

NOMINATIONS

SELECTION

Selection of the final field for the 2005 Champions Mile will be carried out through the following process:

DECLARATION FEE

 

GENERAL CONDITIONS

 

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HORSEMEN'S GUIDE

  Champions Mile

HORSE SHIPMENT

1. The HKJC will arrange and cover the normal costs of return transport by road from the home stable to the departure airport, and return air transport for each selected overseas horse, based on existing cargo routes. Any change from the suggested transport arrangement by the HKJC which incurs additional costs will be at the owner's expense. The shipping arrangements of all horses will be organised by the HKJC and co-ordinated by the HKJC's appointed shipping agents. The HKJC and its transport agents will not be liable for any death of or injury to any invited horses during transportation to and from Hong Kong, or while in Hong Kong.

2. Horses from the same region will:
a) as far as possible, travel on the same flights;
b) need to share pallets on the basis of two horses for each pallet. Costs during the period spent in quarantine on return to the home country will be for the owner's account.

3. The HKJC's Champions Mile shipping agents are as follows :-
a) Australia / New Zealand / Singapore
New Zealand Bloodstock
Tel : 61 2 4655 8812
Fax : 61 2 4655 8872

b) Europe
BBA Shipping & Transport Ltd
Tel: 44 1638 665 021
Fax: 44 1638 669 273

c) North America
International Racehorse Transport
Tel: 1 630 262 1221
Fax: 1 630 262 1331

d) United Arab Emirates
Darley Stud Management Co. Ltd
Tel: 44(1638) 782 666
Fax: 44(1638) 782 667

e) Japan
Nosawa & Co. Ltd
Tel: 81 3 3216 3476
Fax: 81 3 3201 3039

4. The HKJC strongly recommends to ship horses at least ten days before the date of the race to allow recovery from any travel related problems and clearance from their systems of any therapeutic prohibited substances required to be administered. Such medications may be detected in samples taken from horses for much longer than a week.

5. All horses must travel with their passport and any other official identification papers which must be available for inspection and collection by the veterinary authorities upon their arrival at the isolation stables in Hong Kong. The documents will be endorsed and returned prior to the horses' departure from Hong Kong.

6. The HKJC will not be responsible for horse insurance. Connections should have their own insurance arrangements.

ASSISTANT TRAINERS, HEAD LADS, EXERCISE RIDERS & GROOMS

1. A maximum of two persons may travel at the HKJC's expense with each selected overseas horse, provided space is available on the cargo plane. If such persons are unable to travel with the horse, the HKJC will provide Economy Class air tickets, at the HKJC's discretion.

2. A maximum of two persons per horse will be provided accommodation at the officially appointed hotel in Sha Tin by the HKJC for the normal duration of the trip. Any extension of stay will not be covered by the HKJC. Transport will be provided to/from the hotel and the quarantine stables.

STABLING

1. The HKJC imports fodder from Australia, China, France, South Africa, the UK and the USA. Large selections of proprietary feeds are available.

2. Three types of bedding are available: wheat straw, newspaper strips and bedmax (wood shavings).

3. The stables' water supply is normal domestic drinking water. In addition, a sterilised/filtered water unit is installed in each stable block.

4. Importation of feed and water, subject to examination, is permitted within the limitation of aircraft space.

5. Dietary supplements may contain unknown prohibited substances and all are used at the trainer's own risk. Common supplements currently used by trainers at the HKJC will be made available to visiting trainers, on request.

INSURANCE

1. ALL visiting horse connections (owners, trainers, assistant trainers, head grooms and grooms) are strongly recommended to arrange their own insurance to cover travel, work and non-work related injury and illness.

2. ALL visiting jockeys will be covered for medical and personal accident under the HKJC's insurance policy upon licensing for injury arising out of their occupation within the HKJC's premises. As licensing does not cover jockey's liability insurance, this will be arranged in addition and jockeys will be required to pay the premium for the coverage.

LICENSING

Licences for visiting trainers and jockeys will be issued on arrival. Visiting jockeys are required to arrive in Hong Kong at least one day prior to the race day. A jockey's licence will permit the holder to accept offers to ride in all races at Sha Tin at the Champions Mile race meeting.

ADVERTISEMENTS & SPONSORSHIP MATERIALS

Unless otherwise approved by the Stewards of the HKJC, no licensed person or member of the stable staff shall wear any item of clothing displaying any advertising material. Only jodhpurs approved by the HKJC may be worn by riders in races.

PRE-RACE MEETING

Overseas jockeys are required to attend a meeting with the Race Meeting Stewards before the first race on the day in the Inquiry Room at Sha Tin Racecourse.

APPRENTICES

No apprentice allowance may be claimed. Furthermore, an apprentice who is entitled to claim an allowance of 10 lbs will not be permitted to ride in these races.
BODY PROTECTOR

All jockeys and track work riders are required to wear a body protector of a design approved by the Stewards of the HKJC. Jockeys are entitled to a one pound allowance for the body protector at the scales.

TESTING OF JOCKEYS

1. The HKJC requires the random selection of several jockeys per race day to take and pass a breathalyser test for alcohol and a urine test for prohibited substances. All jockeys are therefore required to be in the Jockeys Room, Sha Tin Racecourse at least one hour before the first race.

EQUIPMENT

Whips & Spurs
All whips used in races and in training must be of a design which complies with the requirements of the Stewards. No spurs may be worn in races.

Nasal Dilators, Dropped Nosebands, "Deafeners" (Ear Plugs) and Other Unspecified Equipment
Nasal dilators, dropped nosebands and "deafeners" (ear plugs) are not permitted to be used on horses racing in Hong Kong. Any other unspecified equipment may not be fitted to a runner without prior permission of the HKJC's Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison or the Stewards.

Bandages
Trainers must ensure that bandages fitted to horses' legs are securely fastened for both racing and training.

Blinkers, Hoods, Pacifiers, Visors, Shadow Rolls and Tongue Ties
Blinkers, hoods, pacifiers, visors, shadow rolls and tongue ties must be registered on the declaration form and submitted before declarations close at 8:00 am on Thursday 12 May 2005, i.e. two day declaration.

The equipment with which a horse starts a race shall be worn throughout such race by the horse and is not permitted to be removed. Horses must start wearing the equipment that they parade in.

TRACK & WEATHER CONDITION

Horses run right-handed on an oval flat turf 30.5 metres wide with a 430 metres (a little over 2 furlongs) homestretch.

The weather in May in Hong Kong is usually humid with temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F) to 28°C (82°F).

 

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VETERINARY & RACING PROTOCOLS

 

CRITICAL DATES

1. During the 90 days pre-export of the horse to Hong Kong (but not within 14 days) either commence a primary course of equine influenza vaccinations or administer a booster dose to a primary course.
2. During the 14 days pre-export of the horse to Hong Kong specific disease testing to be performed.
3. At least 7 days pre-export of horse to Hong Kong submit first medication list to HKJC.
4. Between 3 and 6 days pre-export of horse to Hong Kong pre-travel veterinary inspection and provide inspecting veterinarian with an updated medication list.
5. All medications administered to the horse after the veterinary inspection until its arrival in Hong Kong to be reported in writing to the HKJC.
   
   NB - See the rest of this document for provisions relating to vaccinations and disease testing involving multi-country travel.

 

PRE AND POST-TRAVEL INSPECTION, HEALTH PROCEDURES, MEDICATION AND TESTING

1. The equine health protocols for the temporary importation into Hong Kong of registered racehorses for international races have been revised largely in accordance with the recommendations made in the "Guidelines to Facilitate the Temporary Movement of Registered Racehorses for International Races" issued by the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA). Specific equine importation information is available at the Hong Kong Government website:
   
   Further information may be obtained from:
   
   Dr Keith L Watkins BVSc MRCVS
   Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison
   Department of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison
   The Hong Kong Jockey Club
   Sha Tin Racecourse, New Territories
   Hong Kong SAR, China
   Tel: (+852) 2966 6608
   Fax: (+852) 2602 3305
   
   and/or the Club's horse shipping agents in each country.
   
   It is essential that, prior to embarking on any journey, the racehorse's connections make appropriate enquiries of the veterinary authorities of all countries to be visited, including the country of final destination, to ensure that they have fulfilled all their equine import requirements.

2. It is strongly recommended that every invited horse has a thorough veterinary clinical examination (including blood tests and endoscopy), performed by its usual veterinary surgeon, prior to travelling to Hong Kong, to ensure that it is fit and healthy to embark on very long road and air journeys and to reduce the risks of the horse being affected by "travel sickness". A mild clinical or sub-clinical respiratory infection will undoubtedly be exacerbated by travel and could jeopardise a horse's chance of competing in the race and adversely affect its future health.
    
3. All invited horses will be subject to a stringent pre-travel veterinary inspection by the HKJC's appointed veterinary surgeons before their departure to Hong Kong, from whichever country they may be in at this time. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that the horse is not suffering from any obvious problems, which could possibly:
     • jeopardise its chances of competing in its race
     • have an adverse effect on its performance in its race
     • cause it to finish lame or "break down" during the race
     • adversely affect its health during travel
   
   The inspection will (inter alia) require the horse to be trotted-up in-hand on a firm flat surface and undergo palpation of its locomotor structures.
    
4. A Pre-travel Elective Testing Service is available through the HKJC to assist the connections of horses to determine whether or not their horses are free of previously administered therapeutic medications. Please note that this is an advisory service only, the official samples are those collected in Hong Kong. Details of this service may be obtained from the HKJC's HVR&IL.
    
5. Upon arrival at the isolation stables in Hong Kong, all horses will be required to submit blood and urine samples for analysis for prohibited substances. Any sample reported positive to any prohibited substance as a result of this test and which is not consistent with the information declared either in the pre-import medication lists, or for treatments necessarily administered during travel, and which were declared in writing immediately upon the horse's arrival in Hong Kong, may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of the Stewards any time prior to racing. If the horse is withdrawn under these circumstances, the travel subsidy and declaration fee may be forfeited at the discretion of the Stewards of the Club.
    
6. All racehorses in Hong Kong are required to pass an official pre-race veterinary inspection the day before they race. This inspection will be held after track work on Saturday preceding Raceday.

VACCINATION AND QUARANTINE

1. Certified documentary evidence of all vaccinations that have been administered to the horse must be available for inspection by the HKJC and Government Officials.
    
2. Visiting horses will be allocated specific isolation stables, training times and places, and all notices and instructions (written and verbal) issued by HKJC and Government officials relating to these matters must be strictly complied with. Since all overseas racehorses, which are temporarily visiting Hong Kong, will be of equivalent health status, they shall, unless otherwise advised, be permitted to use the training tracks at the same time as each other, but at different times to local horses. Access to the isolation units is strictly restricted to authorised persons only and all such persons must be registered with the Club's Security Department.

MEDICATION AND PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

1. The Rules of Racing of the HKJC are based upon prohibited substances free participation and, therefore, all racehorses in Hong Kong are tested pre-race for such substances. Selected horses will also be tested post-race.
    
2. The Rules state: "The Stewards shall have the power to withdraw at their discretion any declared runner if a pre-race test taken from such horse is reported by the Chief Racing Chemist or other chemist authorised by him as positive or potentially positive for the presence of any prohibited substance."
    
3. The trainer may also be punished according to the Rules of Racing if a horse, which was declared to start in a race, is found to have received a prohibited substance.
    
4. Whilst in Hong Kong no treatment of any sort may be given to any racehorse without prior permission from an Official Veterinary Surgeon of the HKJC and a HKJC Veterinary Surgeon may only administer all treatments. If in doubt about treatment of any sort, the horse's trainer, or his authorised representative should contact one of the HKJC's Veterinary Surgeons.
    
5. It must be noted that any person providing veterinary services in Hong Kong must, as a statutory requirement, under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance, be registered with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong. To obtain such registration may take several weeks. Should a horse's connections anticipate that they may require the services of their own, or a specialist veterinary surgeon, then application to the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong must be made at least four (4) weeks prior to such services being required. The HKJC's HVR&IL will assist in this process.
    
6. It should be emphasised that all treatments given to, or procedures carried out on, a horse by a visiting veterinary surgeon, who has been properly registered in Hong Kong, would be supervised by a HKJC Veterinary Surgeon.
    
7. The prohibited substances under the Rules of Racing of the HKJC are: -
   
   a) substances capable at any time of acting on one or more of the following mammalian body systems:
      the nervous system
      the cardiovascular system
      the respiratory system
      the digestive system
      the urinary system
      the reproductive system
      the musculoskeletal system
      the blood system
      the immune system except for licensed vaccines against infectious agents
      the endocrine system
   
   b) endocrine secretions and their synthetic counterparts
   
   c) masking agents
   
   Substances below the following thresholds are not actionable:
    

   Threshold name	Threshold
   Arsenic	* 0.3 microgram total arsenic per millilitre in urine
   Carbon dioxide	* 37 millimoles available carbon dioxide per litre in plasma
   Dimethyl sulphoxide	* 15 micrograms dimethyl sulphoxide per millilitre in urine, or * 1 microgram dimethyl sulphoxide per millilitre in plasma
   Estranediol in male horses (other thangeldings)	* the mass of free and conjugated 5a-estrane-3b,17a-diol to the mass of free and conjugated 5(10)-estrene-3b,17a-diol in urine from male horses (other than geldings) at a ratio of 1
   Hydrocortisone	* 1 microgram hydrocortisone per millilitre in urine
   Methoxytyramine	* 4 micrograms free and conjugated 3-methoxytyramine per millilitre in urine
   Salicylic acid	* 750 micrograms salicylic acid per millilitre in urine, or* 6.5 micrograms salicylic acid per millilitre in plasma
   Testosterone	* 0.02 microgram free and conjugated testosterone per millilitre in urine from geldings, or* 0.055 microgram free and conjugated testosterone per millilitre in urine from fillies and mares (unless in foal)
   Theobromine	* 2 micrograms theobromine per millilitre in urine

   
   The conjugated substance is the substance that can be liberated from conjugates.

SHOEING

1. All horses must race shod with four aluminium plates (shoes). No horse shall be permitted to race unshod.
    
2. The HKJC farriers will be available for shoeing if required.
    
3. Trainers are advised that the approval of the HKJC's HVR&IL must first be obtained for the plating of horses for racing in any way other than with a nailed-on plain shoe. The use of any substance between the plate and the hoof, such as wedges, leathers, etc. also requires inspection and the approval of the HVR&IL.
    
4. Glue-on aluminium racing plates are permitted if necessary and must be approved by the HKJC's HVR&IL. It must be noted that it is not permitted for glue-on shoes to be applied or re-applied less than two (2) hours prior to the start time of the horse's race.
    
5. Calks, toe grabs or other devices, which may represent a danger to other horses, are not permitted under the Rules of Racing of the HKJC.
    
6. Horses' connections may use the services of their own farrier providing that the HKJC's HVR&IL is notified in writing at least three (3) days prior to the intended arrival of the farrier at the HKJC racehorse isolation stables.

VETERINARY GUIDELINES FOR HORSES TRAVELLING TEMPORARILY TO HONG KONG

Argentina Australia / New Zealand Europe Japan Pre-export isolation requirements Nil Nil Nil Nil Pre-export testing requirements The sample for each test must be taken within 14 days of export from the country of origin and within 90 days of export to Hong Kong • Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins - Immunodiffusion test) • Equine Piroplasmosis (IFAT) The sample for each test must be taken within 14 days of export from the country of origin and within 90 days of export to Hong Kong • Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins - Immunodiffusion test) The sample for each test must be taken within 14 days of export from the country of origin and within 90 days of export to Hong Kong • Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins - Immunodiffusion test) • Equine Piroplasmosis (IFAT) The sample for each test must be taken within 14 days of export from the country of origin and within 90 days of export to Hong Kong • Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins - Immunodiffusion test) • Equine Piroplasmosis (IFAT) Vaccination requirements Equine Influenza: During the 90 days immediately prior to export from its country of permanent or usual residency, but not within 14 days of export, the horse MUST have been administered: EITHER a certified primary course of approved vaccinations against equine influenza comprising of at least 2 doses with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks. OR a certified booster vaccination against equine influenza which was given within 12 months of a certified primary course, or within 12 months of a certified booster vaccination where it, and any other previous booster vaccinations, had been administered annually within a regular 12-month period since the primary course. Please note that Australia has different requirements for vaccination for re-entry and these should be obtained from the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (AQIS). A waiver may be required from the Hong Kong Government. Japanese Encephalitis: Please note that Australia has requirements for vaccination for re-entry and these should be obtained from AQIS. Days allowed out of country of origin to retain temporary export health status Not specified Not specified Less than 90 days Less than 14 days ELISA - Enzyme Linked Immunoassay IFAT - Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test - for Babesia caballi and Babesia (Theileria) equi   North America Singapore South Africa United Arab Emirates Pre-export isolation requirements Nil Nil A minimum of 60 days residency in the African Horse Sickness (AHS) Free Zone with the 40 days immediately pre-export in an officially supervised culicoides proof pre-export isolation facility Nil Pre-export testing requirements The sample for each test must be taken within 14 days of export from the country of origin and within 90 days of export to Hong Kong • Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins - Immunodiffusion test) • Equine Piroplasmosis (IFAT) The sample for each test must be taken within 14 days of export from the country of origin and within 90 days of export to Hong Kong • Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins - Immunodiffusion test) • Equine Piroplasmosis (IFAT) The sample for each test (and the final one for AHS)  must be taken within 14 days of export from the country of origin and within 90 days of export to Hong Kong • Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins - Immunodiffusion test) • Equine Piroplasmosis (IFAT) • AHS (2 tests with an interval of 21 to 30 days) (ELISA) The sample for each test must be taken within 14 days of export from the country of origin and within 90 days of export to Hong Kong • Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins - Immunodiffusion test) • Equine Piroplasmosis (IFAT) Vaccination requirements Equine Influenza: During the 90 days immediately prior to export from its country of permanent or usual residency, but not within 14 days of export, the horse MUST have been administered: EITHER a certified primary course of approved vaccinations against equine influenza comprising of at least 2 doses with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks. OR a certified booster vaccination against equine influenza which was given within 12 months of a certified primary course, or within 12 months of a certified booster vaccination where it, and any other previous booster vaccinations, had been administered annually within a regular 12-month period since the primary course. Days allowed out of country of origin to retain temporary export health status Not specified No restriction Not specified Not specified 1. These guidelines are only to assist horses' connections with their travel planning and conditions are subject to change. 2. Testing requirements may vary from time to time with an individual country's ability to certify freedom from the required disease for specific periods. 3. Horse shipping agents and local animal health authorities will have the most current information. 4. Official government health certification must be complied with for entry of horses into Hong Kong and re-entry into their country of origin or country of next destination, which will vary according to the itinerary of the horse. 5. Providing that all tests required for importation of horses into Hong Kong from the country of origin are completed in that country, then no further testing will be required in the cases of multiple country itineraries, providing that such horses are isolated from local horses and those not of equivalent health status, except during their races. 6. Please note that no vaccines may be administered within 14 days of import into Hong Kong.     MORE NEWS/ PRESS RELEASES   Asian Mile Challenge poised to add races in Australia, Dubai 23 May 2005 Plans are in motion to transform the Asian Mile Challenge into a four-country series in 2006 with races in Australia and Dubai to be added. Racing clubs in Sydney and Melbourne are vying to be a part of the expanded series, but it is expected that the Futurity Stakes, a Gr.1 event at Caulfield in Melbourne early next March, will get the nod from organisers attending the 30th Asian Racing Conference in Seoul. Previously contested over 1400m, the Futurity Stakes will be upped in distance to a mile to accommodate its proposed new status. The Dubai Duty Free (Gr.1-1777m) at Nad Al Sheba at the end of March will bolster the new initiative begun this season between Japan and Hong Kong where the Champions Mile at Sha Tin and the Yasuda Kinen in Tokyo are supported by a US$1 million bonus to the winner of both races. Conference delegates were due to meet late afternoon today to iron out details concerning a revised bonus and race conditions. At today's operational session chaired by Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing, delegates learned of "strong support" for an expanded series. "The new races are top class and would very much suit the profile of the current Asian Mile Challenge under the banner of the Asian Racing Federation," said Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges at the session entitled Racing as a Global Competition. On the similar theme, the Global Sprint Challenge, currently led by Cape Of Good Hope from Hong Kong, is another international racing series seeking to enhance its profile. Mr Stephen Allanson, Director of Racing Operations at Racing Victoria Ltd, said sponsorship is being sought to fund a bonus for the series winner and thereby entice greater competition. Mr Ciaran Kennelly, Senior Handicapper and Head of Race Planning at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, also addressed the large audience on the subject of World Racehorse Rankings, while International Cataloguing Standards were discussed in detail by, among others, Mr Louis Romanet, the Chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.     Beaten but unbowed, Silent Witness does Hong Kong proud 5 June 2005 Brave in defeat, the Tony Cruz-trained duo of Silent Witness and Bullish Luck finished third and fourth respectively behind Asakusa Den'en in today's US$2 million Yasuda Kinen, the second leg of the Asian Mile Challenge, in Tokyo. Bowman's Crossing, also from Hong Kong, finished 13th. Before a crowd of over 75,000 at Fuchu Racecourse, Silent Witness in particular displayed rare courage in what was the second fastest renewal of the prestigious Gr.1 mile event in 20 years. The world's top-ranked turf sprinter was the only on-pace runner still in with a chance inside the final furlong and was only headed close home by Asakusa Den'en, who swooped for a neck success from the late finishing Sweep Tosho with Silent Witness a short head back in third. "He ran a crackerjack race. He was very brave, he fought all the way and I'm very proud of him. Hong Kong can be very proud of that run too," said Silent Witness' ebullient owner, Archie da Silva, adding: "He will have a nice long break now and he will be back to sprints next season." Jockey Felix Coetzee was also very pleased with the performance of the sprint champion. He said: "Silent Witness broke very well as usual but I could have done with a more company early on as there was only Lohengrin taking me along. I was hoping to only press the button about 250m out but when the leader fell away at the 400m they all rushed up at me and I had to go too. But he battled very bravely and gave me everything." Silent Witness ran a short-head second to Bullish Luck in the first leg of the Asian Mile Challenge, the Champions Mile, at Sha Tin on May 14. "That was a better run than the one a few weeks ago considering all the travelling and that this is a much tougher mile test," the jockey added. Cruz said Bullish Luck was not aided by a surface that was not as fast as what the six-year-old usually experiences in Hong Kong. "Gerald [Mosse, jockey] said the surface was loose and that Bullish Luck wasn't that comfortable on it. He has done very well to finish as close as he did," the trainer remarked of his gelding, beaten just under two lengths by the winner. Bowman's Crossing was not far behind but never looked likely to take a hand in the finish. "He was under pressure from the off and I had to ride him along to stay in touch down the back straight. He tended to lay in on me in the home straight then. I guess he found it a bit too sharp for him," said jockey Anthony Delpech. The victorious Asakusa Den'en, a 12/1 chance, took Japan's principal Yasuda Kinen trial, the Keio Hai Spring Cup (JpnGr.2) in track record time for 1400m on May 15. Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing, hailed the performances of the Hong Kong runners at end of a long season and added: "I think we have had a very successful start to the Asian Mile Challenge and we are looking forward to an expanded series next year."